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Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4445 (KB5046745) arrived in the Beta Channel on November 8, 2024, for Windows 11 version 23H2. Its headline addition was a New Folder command in File Explorer’s navigation-pane context menu; the rest of the update focused mainly on taskbar, File Explorer, and Snipping Tool fixes. This is a historical preview-build report, not a current update recommendation.
What is Build 22635.4445?
Microsoft released Build 22635.4445 to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel as KB5046745. It was delivered as an enablement package on the Windows 11 version 23H2 baseline. The build number identifies a Beta Channel preview—not a separate Windows edition or a new public feature update. Microsoft’s Windows Insider Flight Hub lists builds by channel and release history.
The November 8 announcement describes one modest user-facing addition and a set of reliability and usability fixes. It does not provide benchmark figures for the performance changes.
The new File Explorer command
In this build, right-clicking a location in File Explorer’s navigation pane can show a New Folder command. The pane is the folder-and-drive list along the side of File Explorer. The command provides another route to create a folder without first moving to the main file view or using the keyboard shortcut. It is a small workflow convenience, not a redesign of File Explorer.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
The command was subject to a gradual rollout, so installing the build did not guarantee that every Insider would see it straight away. Microsoft said it was rolling the change out to Beta Channel users who had enabled Settings → Windows Update → Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available. Availability could still vary while the controlled rollout was in progress.
Key fixes in Build 22635.4445
Taskbar and Explorer reliability
Microsoft made reliability improvements to explorer.exe, the Windows process that handles the desktop shell, including parts of the taskbar and File Explorer. The build also addressed crashes that could occur when right-clicking apps on the taskbar. These are targeted fixes, not a broad taskbar redesign.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
On some secondary monitors, users with a left-aligned taskbar could see Widgets text overlap the date and time. Microsoft said this build corrected that layout problem.
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- Copied-file dates and times: The build addressed an issue in which file date or time properties could be unexpectedly updated after copying files.
- Details Pane theme icons: Icons in the Details Pane did not always respond properly when users switched between light and dark themes; Microsoft fixed that behavior.
- Duplicated tabs: A black flash could appear when duplicating a File Explorer tab. The build addressed the issue.
- Context menus and navigation: Microsoft included changes intended to improve context-menu launch performance and File Explorer navigation. No percentage improvement or benchmark method was published, so this should not be read as a quantified speed gain or a guarantee that all slowness was resolved.
- Repeated searches: The update addressed a problem that could cause File Explorer searches to trigger repeatedly or unexpectedly.
Snipping Tool captures
The update fixed an underlying issue that could make Snipping Tool screenshots appear distorted on certain displays. Microsoft did not specify every affected display, resolution, scaling setup, or graphics configuration. If distortion persisted, it would not necessarily mean this particular fix had failed: display scaling, drivers, multi-monitor settings, or another capture issue could also be involved.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
How to install it—and why that advice is historical
At the time of release, an eligible Insider could check for the build through Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates, after enrolling in the Beta Channel. The “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” setting related to the staged feature rollout. After installation and a restart, the build number could be checked in Settings → System → About or by running winver.
Build 22635.4445 was released in November 2024. It should not be expected as a current Windows Update offering simply because a PC is running Windows 11 today. For current Insider channel and build information, consult Microsoft’s Flight Hub.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Preview-build caveats
Beta Channel builds are test software. They can introduce problems, and features may be changed, removed, or never released to Windows users generally. A feature may also arrive gradually, meaning two devices on the same build can behave differently. The New Folder command’s absence alone would not establish that installation had failed.
Insider previews are better suited to enthusiasts, developers, and testers who can tolerate instability than to business-critical or primary work PCs where taskbar, file-management, display, or capture reliability is essential. Before installing preview software, back up important files and keep a recovery option available. If File Explorer acts oddly after an update, a restart or reboot is a sensible first check, but it is not a documented fix for every issue.
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
One nearby-build distinction is worth noting: the modernized Windows Hello experience was discussed in the preceding Beta Channel Build 22635.4440 announcement, not as a feature of 22635.4445. See Microsoft’s Build 22635.4440 notes for that change.
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